Groucho's Deli Information

The History of the Groucho’s® name is a story unto itself and one that can only be told as follows. Harold “Groucho” Miller came to Columbia, South Carolina, in 1941 with a handful of original recipes for potato salad, coleslaw, and various salad and sandwich dressings, most of which were thought up during his childhood in a Philadelphia orphanage. Throughout the generations, Groucho’s Deli has held true to the idea of using only the highest quality products and ingredients, which has, in turn, led Groucho’s® to legendary status. In the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960’s Groucho’s® Deli established its reputation by serving its high-quality meats and cheeses (in sandwiches and for retail sale) and famous sandwich dressings (Formula 45 Sauce™ was perfected in 1945), and Original Potato Salad and Cole Slaw. Seating was minimal. Groucho’s sold imported teas, coffees, and exotic delicacies from its grocery/retail portion of the restaurant. Although the idea of expanding Groucho’s into new areas was always prevalent, Groucho’s had to ensure that the Quality Products, Coveted Recipes, and Customer Experience would be consistent. These attributes became available through our exclusive distributor partnerships and from extensive training of Groucho’s Franchisees. Groucho’s began franchising in 2000. Groucho’s receives many franchise applications but only executes about three new units each year. Groucho’s feels that by slow controlled growth, we can offer excellent launch (and ongoing) support and increase the likelihood of success. Since Groucho’s first Franchise in Lexington, SC (2000), Groucho’s® has grown into multiple cities across South and North Carolina. From Groucho’s humble beginning to expand into new territories, the goal of each Groucho’s location is to be “Your Neighborhood Deli.”